2016 Dodge Dart Sedan

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Reviews

Driving Impression

Editor:

New Car Test Drive

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Engine choice determines whether a Dart behaves like a sporty car or an economy machine. Performance is not always as inspiring as exterior styling suggests.

Darts are heavier than most compact sedans, so the standard 160-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder can result in sluggish response when merging into heavy freeway traffic, especially on an uphill ramp while heavily loaded. Even when simply rolling down the highway with friends or family aboard, lack of energetic reactions can be noticeable. On the plus side, the 6-speed automatic transmission that most buyers select does a great job of choosing the right gear at the right time.

Pick the turbocharged, 160-horsepower 1.4-liter engine and, despite identical horsepower, you’ll quickly notice additional torque, resulting in better acceleration and a sportier, more responsive driving experience. Even with the turbo, though, you’ll have to keep your foot firmly pushed into the accelerator pedal much of the time, to make those pleasing actions take place. In part, that’s because the transmission is geared tall, to keep the engine revs low at highway cruising speeds, which helps fuel economy. That translates to less-exuberant performance while acceleration toward higher velocities.

If you’re willing to relinquish a few miles-per-gallon, we believe the best option in the lineup is the 184-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, which is standard in SXT, Limited, and GT models. In SXT and GT, the 2.4-liter is available with either a manual gearbox or an automatic transmission, while the Limited is automatic-only.

Walk Around

Editor:

New Car Test Drive

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With its wide stance and seemingly low cowl, the Dodge Dart looks more substantial than some other models in its class.

Like the larger Dodge Charger sedan, with its chunky, spirited appearance, the Dart suggests a sense of dignity and seriousness that isn’t always present in an affordable model. A long, smoothly flowing roofline and low fender tops help differentiate Dart from the more boxy look of a Cruze or Focus.

Unlike some compacts, the Dart is amazingly spacious. In some ways, it’s virtually a midsize sedan. Seats are comfortable in both the front and the rear. Considering the Dart’s profile, the seating position is higher than you might expect.

For a relatively low-priced compact, the cabin appointments come across as warm and inviting. Just about everywhere you’re likely to touch, the surfaces feel soft and coordinate neatly with the details of the dashboard. Large swaths of textured plastic detract from potential elegance, however.

Outward visibility is impressive. That’s not such a common appraisal in this era of strengthened roofs.

Summary

Editor:

New Car Test Drive

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With three engine choices and three transmission possibilities, the Dart has several personalities. Although the Dart is hardly a sports sedan, it demonstrates more sportiness in both appearance and behavior than many shoppers might suspect.

Driving impressions by Bengt Halvorson, The Car Connection. James M. Flammang contributed to this report.

Model Lineup

Editor:

New Car Test Drive

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The 2016 Dodge Dart comes in five trim levels:

Dart SE ($16,695) has the 2.0-liter engine, with 6-speed manual or optional 6-speed automatic transmission. Standard equipment includes cloth seats with mesh inserts, Uconnect four-speaker radio with CD player, and 16-inch steel wheels. (All prices are MSRP and do not include $995 destination charge.)